Walmart unveils wind turbine

Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said Tuesday it has introduced its first onsite large-scale wind turbine project, unveiled at its DC in Red Bluff, Calif.

The wind turbine, expected to be operational by this fall, will provide roughly one megawatt of power or 15% to 20% of the distribution center's yearly electrical use.

The GE SLE 1.0 megawatt wind turbine, equal to the height of a 20-story building, is projected to produce approximately 2,200,000 kilowatt hours annually.

Under the power purchase agreement, Foundation Windpower installs, owns, and operates the wind turbine and Walmart purchases the power produced under a long-term agreement.

The installation will move Walmart closer to its goal to be supplied by 100% renewable energy, said Greg Pool, senior manager of renewable energy and emissions at Walmart and project manager of the Red Bluff installation. "Should the technology at Red Bluff prove successful, Walmart will evaluate the potential for large-scale turbine installations at other distribution center sites in the United States," he added.